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Chairperson Kiefer asked would it not be appropriate for this Charter Commission in reference to <br />the opinion on February 12, to appeal 14.2 or note that it is unenforceable. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich replied that under State Statute, you have the ability to propose amendments to the <br />Charter. You could propose to eliminate any section of the Charter. There is a legal mechanism <br />for you to get that done. If unanimous by the City Council to repeal it then it is open for 90 days <br />and then it could be repealed. <br /> <br />Chairperson Kiefer asked about the election process, how many days before an election has to be <br />held, if repealed, how many days before the same question can be put before the voters again, is <br />there a limit on the number of special elections, and if not, is there a mechanism to limit the <br />number? <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich responded to all questions and added that this petition would make it easier for a <br />smaller amount of people to petition to get a special election. As the City gets more populated, it <br />is tougher to get 10%, but he is a firm believer that 5% is not the will of the majority. This is un- <br />interpretive (Chapter 14) - it needs to be re-figured out somewhere along the way. Very few <br />people voted for this. We could be looking at a lot of special elections for a lot of special interest <br />people. His opinion is the City has to grow. We can stir up too much trouble with a small <br />amount of people. <br /> <br />Commissioner Henke felt that a lot of elections across the United States would be avoided if you <br />just looked at the number of people who voted. <br /> <br />Commissioner Childs stated he does not mind anything as an issue that's put on the ballot for the <br />general election - it would then get properly debated. Special elections bring out special interest <br />groups. There is nothing beneficial in having a special election except in the event a <br />Councilperson is leaving. <br /> <br />Mr. Cook stated that this is already an election that will go forward. Is there a way to educate the <br />public to make sure it is not just 450 people who file in to vote. Can we get public information <br />out on both sides of this issue. You said this Board could have a special meeting. Can <br />something like that be done so everyone has a chance to hear about it? <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich cautioned that the City cannot take a position. <br /> <br />Mr. Kurak inquired if it would be appropriate for this body to review the content. Would the <br />Charter be able to understand this without it having been explained. <br /> <br />Chairperson Kiefer stated that the Charter Commission's hands are relatively tied, but we could <br />draft our own amendment. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich stated that you could write a statement but you have no official capacity to affect <br />this. <br /> <br />Charter Commission - February 15, 2001 <br /> Page 6 of 12 <br /> <br /> <br />